Motorola to Launch Leading Independent
Semiconductor Company as It Increases Strategic Focus on
CommunicationsWorld’s #1
Embedded Processor Company to Become Separately Traded
CompanyMotorola Committed to Its
Remaining BusinessesSchaumburg, Ill., --
October 6, 2003 – Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
Christopher Galvin
today announced that the company intends to separate its semiconductor
operations into a publicly traded company. This action reflects
Motorola’s intention to increase its focus on communications and
integrated electronic systems, as well as create an exciting opportunity for the
company’s Semiconductor Products Sector (SPS) as an independent
semiconductor company with its own focused strategy. Motorola has not finalized
details of the transaction.
Over the last
several years, SPS has successfully executed an “asset light”
business model that differentiates it from other semiconductor players. This
business model combines a balance of shared cost in developing advanced
technologies, revenue from the licensing of intellectual property and more new
product offerings than it has in the past across its leading positions in
wireless, networking, transportation and standard products. With its own
publicly traded equity, SPS will have the opportunity to pursue acquisitions,
should it so choose, of additional strategic product lines and technology using
semiconductor equity valuations instead of the blended equity valuation of
Motorola. In addition, the semiconductor industry cycle appears to be in an
upswing; therefore, Motorola believes the time is right to take these actions.
Motorola is considering an initial public
offering (IPO) of a portion of SPS, followed by a distribution of remaining
shares to shareholders in a tax-free manner, subject to Motorola board approval,
favorable market conditions, regulatory approvals and other customary
conditions.
Galvin said, “Over the past
several months, we have carefully weighed the best way to optimize the long-term
potential of Motorola’s semiconductor business with the leverage we would
gain by concentrating our resources on our communications products and
integrated electronic systems businesses. After completing our four-month-long
technology and strategic reviews in August, I recommended to the board of
directors in September that Motorola focus its future on retaining and
augmenting all five Motorola sectors that compose our communications products
and integrated electronic systems businesses and that our ‘asset
light’ semiconductor business could prosper as a separate entity. Our
board of directors has given its full support to this
recommendation.”
“We are embarking
on the creation of a new company, and we are excited about the opportunity ahead
of us," said
Scott Anderson,
president of Motorola SPS. “We have a differentiated business model in
‘asset light’; an experienced, talented management team; an
energetic workforce; and strategic and productivity initiatives already in place
that are driving a sustainable difference in our approach to the semiconductor
market. We believe SPS is well positioned to increase its leadership in the end
markets it serves, including the networking, communications, transportation and
industrial markets.”
“Motorola’s board of directors has
accepted management’s recommendation,” said John Pepper, presiding
director of Motorola’s board of directors. “As the company’s
governance body, we are enthusiastic about the intended separation of its
Semiconductor Products Sector into a public entity and the enhanced future
prospects of Motorola as a focused communications and integrated electronic
systems company. Motorola is committed to its remaining businesses and to
serving our customers with a forward-looking portfolio of
solutions.”
Motorola’s remaining
portfolio includes:• Cellular
handsets and related software and services – Personal Communications
Sector
• Cellular network
infrastructure, software and services – Global Telecom Solutions
Sector
• Integrated radio
communications and information solutions for public safety, government and
enterprises – Commercial, Government and Industrial Solutions
Sector
• Automotive electronics,
embedded computing systems and portable energy systems – Integrated
Electronic Systems Sector
• Cable and
broadband communications devices and technology – Broadband Communications
Sector
Specific information concerning this
transaction is limited by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
regulations. Motorola will hold a conference call on the subject at 9 a.m.
Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, October 6. The dial-in number for analysts and
media is 210-839-8960. A replay will be available following the call, and the
dial-in number is 402-220-3503.
About
Motorola's Semiconductor Products SectorAs the
world's #1 producer of embedded processors, Motorola's Semiconductor Products
Sector creates DigitalDNA™ system-on-chip solutions for a connected world.
Our strong focus on wireless communications and networking enables customers to
develop smarter, simpler, safer and more synchronized products for the person,
work team, home and automobile. Motorola's worldwide semiconductor sales were
$4.8 billion (USD) in 2002. For more information:
www.motorola.com/semiconductors.
About
MotorolaMotorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) is a global
leader in wireless, automotive and broadband communications. Sales in 2002 were
$27.3 billion. Motorola is a global corporate citizen dedicated to ethical
business practices and pioneering important innovations that make things smarter
and life better, honored traditions that began when the company was founded 75
years ago. For more information:
www.motorola.com.
BUSINESS
RISKS
Statements in this press release that are not
historical facts are forward-looking statement based on current expectations
that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include,
but are not limited to, statements about the proposed separation of SPS and the
impact of such a separation and the company’s future plans with respect to
its other businesses. Motorola wishes to caution the reader that the factors
below and those on pages F-33 through F-40 of the of the appendix to the
company’s Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and
its other SEC filings could cause the company’s actual results to differ
materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. These factors
include: (1) successful completion of the separation in a timely manner; (2)
prospects for continued growth in the semiconductor industry, especially given
the recent worldwide semiconductor recession; and (3) satisfaction of conditions
to consummating the transaction, some of which are out of the control of the
company
MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are
registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other product or service
names are the property of their respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2003.
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Media
Contact:Jennifer
Weyrauch
1+847-435-5320
Jennifer.weyrauch@motorola.com